Chapter 3: Environmental Sanitation and Terminal Cleaning

Question 1

Alcohol should be used for cleaning and disinfection of large blood spills.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

B. False

Question 2

Which of the following disinfectants is required for general disinfection of non-critical items?
A. High-level disinfectant 
B. Low-level disinfectant 
C. Intermediate-level disinfectant 
D. Sanitizer

Answer 2

B. Low-level disinfectant

Question 3

Terminal cleaning is typically the responsibility of the Environmental Services Team.
A. True
B. False

Answer 3

A. True

Question 4

Dust is not known to contain human skin and hair, pollens, and mold.
A. True
B. False

Answer 4

B. False

Question 5

Infections can potentially be acquired from which of the following sources?
A. Contaminated environmental surfaces 
B. Contaminated hands 
C. Contaminated skin 
D. All of the above

Answer 5

D. All of the above

Contaminated hands, skin, and environmental surfaces.

Question 6

Federal law requires that all sharps be placed in biohazard containers prior to disposal.
A. True
B. False

Answer 6

A. True

Question 7

Which of the following basic components of personal protective equipment should be worn by the perioperative nurse when likely contacting potentially infectious material?
A. Gloves 
B. Gown, mask, and eye shields 
C. N-95 respirator 
D. All of the above

Answer 7

D. All of the above.

Gloves, gown, mask, eye shields, and N-95 respirator.

Question 8

Which federal agency regulates the Blood borne Pathogens Standard?
A. AORN 
B. CDC 
C. HHS 
D. OSHA

Answer 8

D. OSHA

Question 9

Which of the following are typical microorganisms found in the perioperative setting?
A. ESBL-producing organisms 
B. Serratia 
C. Staphylococcus 
D. All of the above

Answer 9

D. All of the above

ESBL-producing organisms, Serratia, and Staphylococcus

Question 10

Clostridium difficile is primarily transmitted via which of the following routes?
A. Respiratory/inhalation 
B. IV Injection 
C. Fecal-oral 
D. None of the above

Answer 10

C. Fecal-Oral

Question 11

Which of the following pathogens requires special attention for disinfection of surfaces contaminated with brain, eye, or spinal cord tissue?
A. CJD 
B. Clostridium difficile 
C. MRSA 
D. VRE

Answer 11

A. CJD

Question 12

Which of the following microorganisms are found routinely in water pipes in ceilings or during wall demolitions?
A. MRSA 
B. VRE 
C. Aspergillus 
D. None of the Above

Answer 12

C. Aspergillus

Question 13

Floors should be mopped or wet-vacuumed with an EPA registered disinfectant after all scheduled cases are completed.
A. True
B. False

Answer 13

A. True

Question 14

Liquid waste can be disposed in which of the following manners?
A. Adding a solidifying powder to the liquid
B. Using a medical liquid waste disposal
C. Pouring the liquid down a sanitary sewer
D. All of the above

Answer 14

D. All of the above

Adding a solidifying powder to the liquid, using a medical liquid waste disposal and Pouring the liquid down a sanitary sewer

Question 15

Disinfectants used in health care facilities do not require EPA registration.
A. True
B. False

Answer 15

B. False

Question 16

Damp-dusting should be performed using EPA registered disinfectant.
A. True
B. False

Answer 16

A. True

Question 17

Ice machines are known vectors of infection transmission when not properly maintained and cleaned.
A. True
B. False

Answer 17

A. True

Question 18

Why are microfiber mops a great option for mopping floors in the OR?

Answer 18

They can withstand up to 300 launderings. The microfiber particles are positively charged and draw negatively charged particles (dirt), they weigh only 2 lb and may reduce personnel injuries

Question 19

Why should you NOT use vinyl exam gloves in environmental cleaning and disinfection?

Answer 19

Vinyl glove barrier protection failure rates can be very high

Question 20

What is the purpose of end of procedure cleaning?

Answer 20

To break the cycle of contamination from the patient to the environment and from the environment to OR personnel and then to subsequent patients

Question 21

When damp dusting the OR, why should the cloth be damp?

What liquid should you use to dampen the cloth and why?

Answer 21

It reduces viable microbial contamination from the air and other sources

Use an EPA registered hospital detergent/disinfectant

Question 22

Is it necessary to mop the entire OR floor between procedures? Why or why not?

Answer 22

Yes, they should be cleaned and disinfected after each surgical/invasive procedure if soiled or potentially soiled. Bed should be moved to check for any items hidden under the bed (sponges, sutures, soiled area). The floor is contaminated at all times.